The concept of holistic health and well-being is clearly understood for humans, but is often over-looked in the field of animal care. Holistic health incorporates the importance of emotional and spiritual well-being, together with physiological wellness. ‘Dis-ease’ presents itself in symptoms and syndromes when balance has been disturbed. The holistic approach in healing focuses on correcting the cause of imbalance.
As is the case with all animals, their past experiences have helped to shape their personality and behaviour. Most animals have been traumatised in some way. Separation anxiety, shock, physical pain, are all common life experiences. Many owners are unaware of these aspects of their animal’s history, as they predominantly focus on its physical condition.
Until recent years the significance of bonding and good rapport between animals and people has not been fully appreciated. As humans, we understand the need for positive emotional relationships in our lives for healthy development. If we were given only our basic needs but were deprived of love, nurture and other such emotional requirements, then we would lack happiness, good health and well-being.
Animals are highly sensitive beings. It has been found that 85% of domestic pets are living in a state of stress due to their owner’s anxiety. As humans we know it is not healthy to project our wants, needs or discourse onto others. Unfortunately, animals are not excluded from receiving unwarranted emotional outbursts. Our relationship to our animals will help them, or hinder them.
Domestic animals rely on their care-takers to ensure holistic health – well-being on all levels. Their presence in one’s life will be markedly improved when the two beings, animal and care-taker, are balanced together.
Often animal owners will ask for a flower remedy preparation for their animal’s ‘dis-ease’, yet remain oblivious to all the contributing factors. They would like to have the symptoms disappear, and have the remedy correct the problem. They can feel frustrated that they’ve done all they can, become impatient, and feel overwhelmed, angry, resentful, and a myriad of other emotions. This can lead to a spiraling effect worsening the over all environment for both parties.
In most situations, it is optimal for both the owner and animal to each have a flower. In doing so, each is returned to a more harmonious and healthy place within. Synergistically, the relationship and consequently the emotional and physical well-being of both are harmonised.
Remember, we are all sensitive creatures sharing the gift of life. The more love, caring and compassion we extend to each other, the happier and healthier our lives will be.
© Linda Webber, Sacred Space Essentials
